Greetings Baseball Fans, Ballpark Nerds, and anyone else baffled by the seat choices at the home of the St. Louis Cardinals! I’m here to help, with this complete and super-detailed Busch Stadium seating guide.

I’ll explain the pros and cons of all of the seating levels, from the premium seats to the cheap seats, and what you should know before buying a ticket. So first, click here for the Cardinals seating chart, you’ll want to keep it open for reference.

BTW, This post contains affiliate links, so if you make a purchase using the link, this site earns a commission at no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support.

There’s a LOT here; you don’t have to read it all (but it’s all useful!) Pick a bit you’d like to know about below:

Busch Stadium Seating Guide – Table of Contents

Best Seats at Busch Stadium – Cardinals Club + Commissioner’s Box
Other Premium Seating – The Redbird Club
Premium All-Inclusive Seats (Champions Club, National Car Rental Club, 703 Club, Perficient Red Jacket Club)
Less Premium All-Inclusive Seats (Coca-Cola Scoreboard Patio + Rooftop Deck, Freese’s Landing, MVP Club, Left Field Landing, Bet365 Bridge)
Field Level (100) Seating
Mezzanine/Loge Level (200) Seating
Upper Level (300-400) Seating
Cheap Seats at Busch Stadium – The Bleachers
Cardinals Nation Rooftop + Balcony (+ Brew House)
Standing Room Spots (Budweiser Terrace, Perficient Porch)
Accessible Seating
Finding Shade at Busch Stadium
A Few More Tips

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1) The Best Seats at Busch Stadium – Cardinals Club + Commissioner’s Box (Sections 1-8)

So those large, green, cushioned seats behind home plate are the CommunityAmerica Cardinals Club seats; appropriately sponsored by a credit union since you’re likely to need a loan to afford them. I kid, but not by much; these can be four digits for high demand games.

But they’re worth it if you love your Cardinals baseball. In addition to very close and comfortable seats, you get access to the Cardinals Club, a climate-controlled space with plenty of tables.

 

Your ticket includes a really nice buffet; there are carving stations, multiple entrees and side dishes, and a wide selection of desserts. The menu even includes an item from the visiting team’s city, e.g. cheesesteaks for Philadelphia.

Wait, it gets better! Your drinks are included too, with a full service bar of beer, wine and liquor.

Still going here with the perks: VIP parking (another well-worth-it perk), and you can order food from a high end menu and have it delivered to your seat.

 

People who partake of the Cardinals Club seats love it; they suggest getting there when the gates open (two hours before game time) to fully take advantage of the food and drinks. Bring a few bucks to tip the wait staff. And definitely save room for the desserts, people rave about them.

These seats are mostly for season ticket holders (i.e. corporations). I’ll talk more about saving money on tickets in a future post, but if you’d like to try the Cardinals Club for less, look for a mid-week game against a low-value opponent, and check out Gametime for secondary market deals. If you can find something under $250, score.

 

Along with these superb seats, the Cardinals added another small section of equally comfortable high end seats next to the Cardinals dugout. These are the Commissioner’s Box seats (front rows of Section 140. You can pretend you’re Rob Manfred and try to think of ways to ruin baseball.

These seats don’t include Cardinals Club access, but they do offer access to the UMB Champions Club in left field and its buffet and drinks at no extra charge. It’s nice to grub tough on a good buffet, but the club is a bit of a walk from the seats, which is puzzling. The seats do include in-seat food and drink service, if you want to save a couple of steps.

 

Your Commissioner’s Box seat ticket comes with a stellar view of the field, and if you’re in the first couple of rows, you can see inside the Cards’ dugout and shout encouragement to your guys. You also get a pre-game photo-op in the dugout and on the field.

There’s only a small number of seats here, and the Cardinals sell them two at a time, so it presumably is tough to find them on the secondary market. If you want to pretend to be Manfred (“let’s make it ten seconds between pitches, yeah!”) your best bet is to call the Cardinals when tickets go on sale. (Subscribe to their ticket alert newsletter to see when that is.)

 

3) Other Premium Seating – Redbird Club

The Redbird Club seats (Sections 241-257) take up most of the mezzanine level, extending just past the bases from behind home plate. These seats are a good option for those who want to be part of a club, but don’t want to fork over an extra couple hundred for drinks.

Seriously, these are good value seats in my opinion; the bird’s eye view is nice, but the seats are also cushioned, and mostly covered in shade, especially in the upper rows – a very nice feature in St. Louis as we’ll discuss. The highest few rows might lose the scoreboard and skyline view, especially on the first base side.

 

There’s also access to the climate-controlled Redbird Club itself, an indoor concourse decorated with baseball card pics from every era of baseball. There’s multiple concession stands and a full service bar, with tables and TVs to watch the game.

The Club also has windows with a view of the game inside, with seating and counters, but that view isn’t very good. You’ll lose a portion of the infield, even if you’re sitting, and most seats will be taken.

 

The food choices here, I can personally attest, are very good. There’s an excellent sandwich carvery, an Asian noodles station, and high quality pizza, and of course El Birdo nachos and bacon wrapped dogs. (More about that in my upcoming Busch Stadium food post, be sure to subscribe!)

The food and drinks are not included with your ticket though, you pay normal ballpark prices that include that oppressive “atmosphere fee”. We’ll get to all-inclusive tickets shortly.

 

Redbird Club seats, depending on demand, can usually be had for under a hundred bucks; I paid considerably less than that on the secondary market for a Sunday game. So definitely check with my friends at Gametime, especially in the hours before the event.

In the sweltering St. Louis summers (definitely experienced it in my research mission), anything with access to air conditioning is worth the price in my opinion. You’ll probably agree.

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4) Premium All-Inclusive Seats (Champions Club, National Car Rental Club, 703 Club, Perficient Red Jacket Club)

I’m not going to get into the suites; those are generally bought out by corporations so you’d likely need to work for one or know someone who does. It’s a great baseball experience, but I’m skipping that because I have many other more club spaces to discuss. You can find out more on the Cardinals website, if you have any questions let me know. Onward.

When I say “premium all-inclusive seats” at Busch Stadium, that basically means two things: the buffet and drinks are higher quality, and/or there is an indoor space where you can escape the heat, as compared to other all-inclusive spaces.

The Cardinals have a LOT of all-inclusive sections; they’re popular and can be good deals, but obviously some are better than others. I’ll start with the ones that include air conditioning.

 

The UMB Champions Club is located on the mezzanine (200) level in the left field corner, in foul territory. Sections are 1-13, not to be confused with the Cardinals Club behind home plate.

I wouldn’t call the view from the seats spectacular. They’re somewhat far from the action. The outside seats are covered and protected from sun and rain, but in upper rows you can lose the view of the scoreboard. There are plenty of TVs, though, and you can order food from your seat.

That said, the indoor space is pretty sweet. It’s large, climate-controlled, and offers a high end buffet including a carving station, salads and other food stations, three full service bars and cookies and brownies for dessert. You can also view Cardinals World Series trophies, hence the name.

 

Champions Club tickets usually go for around triple digits from the Cards. It’s popular and limited, so tickets are tough to find on the secondary market. Search for a low demand game (like midweek against Colorado) to save a few bucks.

As with any all-inclusive spaces, if you do land a ticket, arrive early if you can; not just to make the most of your food and drinks but also to find a good table. They fill up fast.

 

The National Car Rental Club (named for Cardinals legend National Car Rental) is located just beyond the Redbird Club seats at third base, in Sections 258-260. Of the all-inclusive spaces (aside from the Cardinals Club and suites), these offer probably the best views of the action, and it features both outdoor and indoor seating sections.

Like the Champions Club, there’s an indoor space with a full service bar and a buffet that includes typical ballpark foodstuffs and a food station. It’s much smaller than the Champions Club though, and people do complain about crowding and limited table seating.

Again, it’s a small number of tickets, so you’re likely buying them from the Cardinals. Low demand games are cheaper; check your newsletter for dynamic deals.

 

The Perficient Red Jacket Club is in the lower level behind the right field corner seats, behind Sections 128-129. Sections are numbered 1-4. You have to squint to see it on the seating map.

The Red Jacket Club is dedicated to Cardinals Hall of Famers, who, of course, wore the red jacket like the champion golfers they are. The four sections of seats are cushioned and covered from the rain, and the sun during day games for the most part.

 

That said, the view isn’t great; it’s next to outfield bleacher seats and even behind two field level tiers, so you’re far away, staring into the sun early on in night games, and there’s no view of the scoreboard or skyline.

Climate-controlled indoor space is great here, so there’s that. The club itself features a high end buffet with a chef at a carving station and all that, along with a bar serving beer, wine and mixed drinks.

These seats might be good if you’re looking for a fancy experience like an included high end buffet, and if you’re not looking to spend at the Cardinals Club level. Or maybe if you’re hosting a Cardinals game gathering with your co-workers. Because of the lesser view, tickets are slightly cheaper than other clubs. Again, you’re likely buying these from the Cardinals.

 

Then there’s the 703 Club, named for Albert Pujols’s career home run total (that guy was pretty good). The 703 is beyond the outfield seats in left field, in the mezzanine section, with sections lettered A through F.

Like the Perficient Club, the view isn’t great from the seats, but you’ll have a view of the scoreboards in right field, and these seats are in the shade most of the time. The outside seats are mesh, great on hot days, with tables for your unlimited food and beverages.

 

The 703 Club itself features high end food options, like stone-fired pizzas, a pasta station, and “freshly grilled” (Kurt nods approvingly) dogs, brats, and burgers. There’s even a full nacho bar. You can order mixed drinks, wine and liquor from a full service bar. There’s a view of the game from inside, and also a view of Ballpark Village across the street.

And of course, it’s air-conditioned. Again, you’ll probably go through the Cardinals for these, and expect to pay about the same as with other clubs. This one is best if you’re looking for better food choices and scoreboard views, and really dislike St. Louis heat.

 

5) Less Premium All-Inclusive Seats (Coca-Cola Scoreboard Patio + Rooftop Deck, Freese’s Landing, MVP Club, Left Field Landing, Bet365 Bridge)

Pretty impressive how many spots include food and drinks, eh? Busch is truly like a cruise ship. Anyway, the areas below don’t include air-conditioned space to hang out in, just all you can eat and drink.

The food and drink is pared down here, but it’s not a bad selection. There’s usually dogs, brats, pulled pork, salads, nachos and cookies. For drinks it’s just Bud, Bud Light, and Coca-Cola products, so try and get your money’s worth.

You can sometimes find sweet deals on all-inclusive tickets, even below $50. If the Cards aren’t drawing well or playing a weak opponent on a weekday, you might score a great price. Check your newsletter or with Gametime. If you’re really set on trying these, get tickets well in advance from the Cards.

In alphabetical order, here they are:

 

Bet365 Bridge. The Bet365 Bridge is located behind the right field bleachers, under the scoreboard. It’s basically a couple of rows of counters with barstools and a distant view, and you should be in the shade in the back row if need be. Remember you’ll be staring into the sun for evening games.

These would probably be my last choice, at least in the summer heat; it’s the last to see shade in the evening. Take the covered back row for shade and easier access to food and bathrooms. There’s also no view of the big scoreboards, which also afflicts the Coca-Cola areas and Freese’s Landing.

 

Coca-Cola Rooftop Deck. The Rooftop Deck is over center field, next to the main scoreboard. Don’t confuse it with the Coca-Cola Scoreboard Patio, which is under the Big Board and much larger. Of the all-inclusive sections, these are probably furthest from home plate, except for the Cardinals Nation rooftop, which I’ll discuss later.

The Rooftop Deck has three rows of counters with barstools (they’re reserved seats), and there’s a covered section behind you with the food and drinks and TVs to watch the game. The last row is in the shade, but in the first two rows you could be in that glaring sun.

 

Coca-Cola Scoreboard Patio. The scoreboard patio seats are below the Big Board; this is five rows of seats with sizable counters, nicely elevated so no one blocks your view in front of you. They are kind of like the Chop House seats in Atlanta.

The Scoreboard Patio is the most popular of the non-premium all-inclusive areas; the view isn’t terrible from right center field, although you have to turn around to see the Big Board. You can duck out of the sun and sit at tables in the shaded area where food and drink is served, and it’s a bigger buffet that is well-managed by most accounts.

There’s also more seats here, so you have a better chance of finding a deal on Gametime. Again, though, you’re staring into the sun for the first few innings for night games.

 

Freese’s Landing. Freese’s Landing is beneath the Scoreboard Patio seating; if you even slightly follow baseball you know it’s where David Freese’s game winning and Series-extending home run landed.

Like the other spaces, there are barstools and counters, and it’s easy to find cover and shade. Being in right center field, though, again you’ll be looking into the sun. The space is also somewhat removed from the action, with no view of any of the big scoreboards, and has a walkway in front of it.

History aside, it’s probably the least favorite all-inclusive space among fans. But unlimited beer can make it tolerable.

 

Left Field Landing. The Left Field Landing doesn’t feature a gathering space; it’s just two rows of barstools and counters in the left field corner, behind Sections 168 and 169. There’s food and drinks behind it, but not much space for standing.

As all-inclusive spaces go, though, the Left Field Landing does have the advantage of being the first in the shade for night games. It’s also pretty easy to get under cover if rain comes. The view isn’t terrible either; it’s some distance from home plate but not elevated.

 

Scott Credit Union MVP Deck. The MVP Deck is above the left field bleachers, next to the Coca-Cola Rooftop Deck. There’s two levels of space here, both of them covered, with a bar on the lower level. There aren’t many spaces, so it’s a nice spot for small gatherings.

It’s also slightly less elevated than the rooftop deck, but not by much, so it’s still pretty far away, but this is probably the best spot for continuous shade.

 

6) Busch Stadium Seating – Field Level (100) Seating

The field level at Busch Stadium (not counting bleachers, we’ll get to that) starts at Section 127 in right field and circles to Section 172 in left field. Most sections feature a lot of rows, at least 23-24, with some having a dozen more.

With the number of rows and the height of upper levels, the Field level is my personal preference for general seating; even the mezzanine here seems far from the action. That said, you will bake in summer day games in most sections.

As you can see from the seating chart, there’s a wide variety of sections and pricing levels, from Diamond Box seats on either side of the Cardinals Club to the Left Field and Right Field Box seats in the corners. I’ll briefly gloss over these.

 

The Diamond Box seats are the front few rows behind both dugouts, with cheaper Dugout Box sections going down the foul lines. It’s in the heat for sure, but the views are great and seats are cushioned. Similarly with the Dugout Box seats, you’re very close to the action.

Both of these sections go mostly to season ticket holders, so you’ll likely be looking on the secondary market for them.

 

Other than those, the Home Field Box sections are probably the best non-premium seats. They’re behind the Cardinals Club seats, and feature nice padding. They don’t include club access, but you can buy plenty of food and drinks with the $200 you’re saving.

I have read some complaints that the front rows have view problems from walkways and railings, so maybe avoid the first couple of rows.

 

The rest of the Field Box sections are divided into Infield Field Box, 1st and 3rd Base Field Box, Lower Left and Lower Right Field Box, and Left and Right Field Boxes. These last sections extend past the foul poles. Keep in mind that the Diamond and Dugout Box rows are in front of these.

Needless to say, ticket prices drop closer to the outfield; you can often find sweet deals on Gametime for low demand nights. Except for the Left and Right Field Box sections, seats are cushioned. Nice!

 

As you get past the Infield Box seats where the suites are, there are additional rows of seating that are elevated behind a walkway. The elevation keeps people walking by from being a problem, and these areas are mostly covered from the rain and sun, with huge fans overhead helping to keep you cool. In upper rows you may lose the Big Boards and skyline though.

If you’re choosing between field boxes and Redbird Club seats, ask yourself if having access to air conditioned space means more than being close to the action. It’s quite the conundrum. But these raised rear sections at least offer something in between.

 

The Left Field and Right Field Box seats (including the Lower sections) in foul territory aren’t angled towards the field like in many ballparks (sections are somewhat, but not seats themselves). This can be mildly annoying; you may prefer past the foul poles for a straight view.

The Left Field Corner is definitely better for shade, even in day games; you also have a much better view of both scoreboards. Just saying. The last seven or so rows in the left field corner are also covered by an overhang.

 

7) Mezzanine/Loge Level (200) Seating

Most of the second deck in Busch Stadium consists of Redbird Club seating, and the National Car Rental Club on the third base side. As I’ve stated, with the open concourses and suite levels, the mezzanine here is fairly elevated. The 200 level has a large amount of seats, similar to Yankee Stadium.

Past the Club sections, seating areas are named 1st/3rd Base Loge and Left/Right Field Loge, with Big Mac Land on the fair territory side of the foul pole. The third base and left field sections have decent shade in the upper rows from the overhang, even in day games.

 

The 1st and 3rd Base Loge areas are close to the Club seats and offer similar views, but as you get further out into the Left and Right Field Loge sections, it’s much farther away than you would expect from 200 level seating. At least I was kind of surprised by it.

Another disadvantage of the outer 200 level is that with the Redbird Club taking up the level, you don’t have much concourse to roam around in or food options, and bathrooms are a bit sparse. I’d pick up food and take care of nature’s call beforehand.

 

As far as Big Mac Land, if you’re a more mature baseball fan like me, you remember Mark McGwire’s titanic shots to the second deck in left field at Busch II. The Cardinals at one time ran a promotion where if a Cardinal hit one into Big Mac Land, everyone in the ballpark would get a free Big Mac at McDonald’s the next day.

Sorry if it disappoints you but to my knowledge they’re no longer doing the promotion; it’s just a section with McDonald’s branding and seats that aren’t great.

I wouldn’t overpay for 200 Level seating; if I’m going to be far from the action, I would rather be in the upper levels behind home plate. If you can find a nice deal, sure, but there are better options.

 

8) Upper Level (300-400) Seating

The upper deck at Busch Stadium consists of the Pavilion (300) and Terrace (400) sections. The Pavilion sections go from about the right field foul pole around left field; the 400 sections stop around third base. In right field the upper sections past the foul pole is the Budweiser Terrace; I’ll get to that.

The upper sections, because of the premium seats and open concourses, are noticeably high, and beyond the bases especially they’re pretty far away. If you’re behind home plate or a bit on the third base side, they do afford a pretty sweet panoramic view of the scoreboards and skyline, which people online like a lot.

The 300 level seating is probably worth the extra few bucks of the two. There’s fewer rows, seats are closer, and there’s fewer steps to get to the concourse if you’re hungry or answering nature’s call. There are minor complaints about the railing obstructions, I’ll discuss that later.

 

The 400 sections, aside from not being for the acrophobic, require another flight of steps to get to your seats. Best avoided for anyone with mobility issues. Sections 431-435 are arguably the worst seats in the ballpark, with far away views and blinding sun, but they’re nice and cheap. (And close to cheap beer at the Budweiser Terrace.)

There are a couple of consolation prizes for the 400 level on hot days; for one, it’s almost completely covered by the roof, offering that essential shade. In addition, it’s breezy in the top rows, which helps except on cold days. The left field corner 300 seats have a roof as well.

 

The upper concourse is open air, with sweet views of downtown St. Louis; it’s actually good for trainspotters, if you care about such things. You can also easily access the Budweiser Terrace for cheap brews. If you are up here and don’t feel like using ramps or steps, there’s an escalator near the team store entrance.

The Pavilion and Terrace sections are considerably cheaper than lower levels, and you can probably find good deals on Gametime. Given similar prices, I would take a 300 seat behind home plate over a 200 level seat in a corner. Just saying.

 

9) Cheap Seats at Busch Stadium – The Bleachers

So you’re going cheap but don’t want a nosebleed, right? And not even proximity to $5 Budweisers or breezy shade will change your mind? Then the Busch Stadium bleachers are for you. The bleachers here are classic style; numbered metal benches but with backs.

The Cardinals even supplied a fair number of bleacher seats for you. There’s Left Field Bleachers, five sections behind the visitors bullpen, and two tiers of Right Field Bleachers; Sections 107-108 are behind the Cardinals bullpen, and Sections 107-111 are behind these and pretty far back from the action.

 

The first thing I will tell you about bleacher seats here is a warning: you could probably fry an egg on one on a St. Louis August afternoon. (Come to think of it…) If you’re planning to sit here on a hot day or even an evening, bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, whatever. I was actually amazed how many people were sitting there in my July visit.

The Cardinals allow you to bring in sealed bottles of water that you can buy from vendors outside; you should take advantage of that. For an evening game, left field bleachers will see shade before the right field seats, and in right field you’ll be staring into the sun early on.

 

That said, you can flip it around and make the bleachers a viable option for a cheap ticket on an April or September (or October) day game. You’ll definitely be warmer than people on the third base side; in fact they might be bundled up while you’re in short sleeves.

The bleachers also might not be the best place for kids, although they are close to the very cool Hi-Chew Family Pavilion, and its indoor game spaces. Sunburn potential aside, there can be a raucous atmosphere with, well, bleacher type fans. Wrigley it’s not, but just something to be mindful of.

 

Given the choice, I would prefer left field bleachers; they offer a better view of the scoreboards, and I always like shouting friendly encouragement to opposing pitchers. Better shade and it’s closer to better concessions too. Speaking of bullpen areas, if you’re behind the bullpen, the first row is usually Row 11.

The bleachers seats, for obvious reasons, are among the cheapest in the ballpark. It might be a nice option just to get in, but keep in mind everything I’ve said here.

 

10) Not Actually in Busch Stadium – Cardinals Nation Rooftop + Balcony (+ Brew House)

If you’ve ever wanted to sit in the Waveland or Sheffield Avenue rooftops across from Wrigley Field but just can’t stomach the Cubs, the Cards have an option for you: the Cardinals Nation rooftop across the street. This was actually inspired by the Wrigley rooftops, but the Cards were nice enough not to put a big scoreboard in front of it.

Also like the Wrigley rooftops, you get nice bang for your buck here, despite the far and high view and the direct sun in upper levels. Tickets include a high end buffet (the premium kind I described in other clubs), with a carving station, entrees, a nacho bar and desserts. You can even order hot dogs and brats and have them sent to your seat.

 

Cardinals Nation offers multiple seating areas. There’s two levels of rooftop seats; the upper level is fully in the sun while the lower level is mostly covered. Then there’s the Balcony on the floor below, with outdoor table seating. You can also get tickets to the climate-controlled Branch Rickey Room, with food and drinks and TVs to watch the game you’re at.

These seats are, as you’d expect, pretty far removed from the action. It’s not terrible to watch from across the street, but this is something you do more for the experience of complimentary drinks at a ballgame. You can access the ballpark with your ticket if you like, but you don’t get a seat with it.

 

One very nice perk of all three areas of Cardinals Nation seats is that you get complimentary admission to the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum, which is…take it from a guy who’s been to a few…one of the best team Hall of Fames in baseball. It’s definitely well worth a visit for baseball fans, Cardinal partisans or not.

All in all, these can be a pretty good deal, especially if you like all-inclusive seats at a ballpark and don’t mind being far away. At ballpark prices, you could probably get your money’s worth on drinks alone. Check on Gametime to find a deal. You may also find a sweet price in the Cardinals ticket alert newsletter.

The bar on the first floor of Cardinals Nation is open to everyone, and it’s very impressive as sports bars go. If you can’t get a ticket, this is as good a spot as any to watch on TV.

 

Next door to Cardinals Nation is the Budweiser Brew House, which also sports an across the street view. The rooftop here is actually free, but obviously it doesn’t include food and drinks, and the view isn’t quite as good. You lose a fair amount of right field to the MVP deck and such. And yes, the patio is in the sun.

So these aren’t Busch Stadium seats per se, but it’s not a bad spot, especially for the price. There are full service bars and affordable drink specials, a perfectly acceptable menu of food, and seats with counters and a view. There’s also lounge chairs to relax in. If it’s a big game and you really want to try this, you can reserve a spot in advance.

 

11) Busch Stadium Standing Room Spots (Budweiser Terrace, Perficient Porch)

If standing room is your only option for sold out games, it can be tricky to find a spot with a good view. Busch Stadium offers a couple of spaces just for standing room, but they don’t feature great views

But before we get to that, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Cardinals offer a nice standing room deal for local fans: the Ballpark Pass. With this pass, you can attend every home game except Opening Day, for a small monthly fee. It’s well worth the cost even if you just attend a few high demand games each month (e.g. Cubs, Yankees games).

 

The Cardinals mention that there are specially marked standing room spaces, including behind sections throughout the lower level behind home plate. These aren’t great spots, even if the view isn’t bad, just because of where the marked standing spaces are.

There are two areas more or less geared to standing room patrons; the Perficient Perch and the Budweiser Terrace. The Perficient Perch is mostly just an open space on the upper concourse, behind Sections 356-357 at third base. It offers a nice panoramic view of everything, including the Arch. There’s a Big Chicken there if you’re into that.

 

The multi-level Budweiser Terrace is much more popular, and an imaginative way to get people to spend a ballgame with the worst view in a ballpark. They completely remade the section specifically for standing room sorts, with barstools behind counters and even padded benches. You should be able to sit somewhere here for most games.

But the big draw, of course, is the $5.25 Budweisers all night long, of course a great price for beer at a ballpark. That and the pavilion on the concourse that includes a BBQ grill and pre-game entertainment. It’s actually pretty happening, for a standing room price.

All that said, the view of the game isn’t great from here, and it’s the last spot in the ballpark to see shade. On a hot evening you’ll earn that $5 beer.

 

If you’d prefer a better view, there’s plenty of options. The concourses aren’t open behind home plate on any level, but there are marked standing room spots behind most sections. Ushers might or might not enforce the yellow line rule. Kind of like NASCAR. It’s also easy to stake a spot somewhere in the outfield.

And of course, there’s always that empty seat potential; one trick I’ve read is to go online and see what seats are still available after the game starts and stake one out. This will be much easier in lesser value seats where ushers aren’t as strict. Whether or not you think that’s unethical fan behavior is a choice I leave to you.

 

12) Busch Stadium Accessible Seating

Ballpark E-Guides covers all the bases, and I’m here to help if you need accessible seating at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals offer plenty of information here about this, but I’m going to add some of my own observations.

Multiple sections throughout the ballpark feature accessible and wheelchair spaces behind them. The Cardinals were nice enough to put many of these spaces out in the open, without an overhang to block that coveted skyline/scoreboard view.

 

In the seating bowl, most sections should have shade early in the evening.

With an accessible ticket, you can include three additional tickets. These areas have folding chairs for friends and electrical outlets, with ushers to help with anything you need. Elevators are available near most of the entrances.

 

13) Finding Shade at Busch Stadium

Shade is a pretty important factor choosing a seat at Busch (and if you’ve been, you know I ain’t joking). Temps can get in triple digits and it can be stupid humid. I saved the shade bit for last since I’ve talked about it in most sections, but here are general tips to keep in mind.

Home plate is in the southwest corner, so the sun sets on the third base side. Here’s where the high seating at Busch makes some sense; third base and left field is usually in shade early for night games, so on that side you shouldn’t be in the heat for too long.

 

For day games, the 400 sections are mostly shaded by the roof (often with a breeze too), and this applies to the 300 sections in left field, although 370-372 might see some sun. The roof can also protect 300 sections here early in the evening, but remember there is no roof covering sections 355-360 (the Perficient Perch).

Even during the day, the third base side is better for shade, especially in the back rows of any level. You’ll likely see sun early on, but as the game goes on, shade will increase there and the sun will glare into right field. The left field corner is a good spot anytime. Much of the field level will be in the sun during the day though, and bleachers are entirely uncovered.

 

Remember what I said about the field level seating past the bases; the rear portion of these sections is separated by a walkway, and the back portion is mostly covered with giant fans helping with a breeze. If you want to be low and cooler for a day game, try these; although later in the day the right field corner will get sun.

If nothing else, Redbird Club seats are worth the few extra bucks just for the shade; most of the rows save for the first few are covered (and of course, you can use the air-conditioned club).

Remember these are general tips; I can’t promise your seat won’t be in the sun, but if you keep these things in mind you should be okay. By the way, for a chilly April evening, you can always flip it around and easily find seats in the sun.

 

14) Busch Stadium Seating – A Few More Tips

Yes, I haven’t quite covered everything; here’s just a couple things.

There are a very small number of obstructed view seats at Busch Stadium. These are close to railings or panels, and a few are beyond just annoying. The majority of these are in the 400 level in about Row 7, and in the rear portions of the field level sections (usually Row 20).

I can’t confirm whether your ticket will warn you about this, but the Cardinals do offer a very helpful 3-D seating map, where you check the view from any seat. If you end up with such a seat and didn’t know, ask an usher if you can move; they’ll probably help.

 

If you’re one of those fans that loves a skyline and scoreboard view with your baseball…and St. Louis certainly offers one of the better backdrops with the Arch and all that…the third base side is better, although it’s sweet behind home plate too.

In addition to the lower level being definitely better for the acrophobic, keep in mind it’s got much better amenities too. The Family Pavilion is in the outfield area, and there’s plenty better choices for concessions and souvenirs.

Finally, facing the field, seat 1 is always on the left side, to help you do as little squeezing past people as possible. Nachos are popular here but no one likes them in their lap.

 

(Kurt exhales heavily.) There you have it folks; your complete and ridiculously detailed guide to finding a seat at the beautiful home of the St. Louis Cardinals.

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Thanks for visiting, and I’ll see you at the Yard!